Curacao: Travel Tips

With dozens of white sand beaches and stunning coral reefs, Curaçao is ideal for sun worshipers and divers in search of tropical fish and marine life. Balmy evenings and casino action provide the perfect conditions for an exciting nightlife, and year-round sunshine and shopping complete the picture.
December through mid-April is the most popular time to visit the Caribbean, as travelers flee the chilly northern weather for sunny skies, white-sand beaches, and warm temperatures. To get the best rates, visit in the late spring or summer months—or get even better rates by traveling in the fall (September–October).

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Getting To Curacao

If you are traveling from the west coast, plan on leaving as early as 7 a.m., or take a red-eye flight to Miami, Atlanta, or New York and connect from there. Coming from New York, you can expect to travel approximately five hours, from Atlanta or Miami it can be approximately three hours and as long as eight hours from Seattle. In any case, plan on leaving early or on a red-eye flight from the West Coast.

Flight times

3.5 hours from Miami

4 hours from Atlanta

Staying In Curacao

In the calm, radiant waters off Curaçao’s southern coast, coral reefs and underwater sponge formations offer divers a wealth of choices. Many dive spots are accessible from the island’s 38 stunning beaches. Curaçao, with its distinct blend of Spanish, Dutch, and Caribbean architecture, is the seat of the Dutch Antilles, and larger than its sister islands of Aruba and Bonaire, giving visitors more room to play. Take a break from the beach with a visit to the historic Hato caves.

Traveling In Curacao

Classic can arrange convenient and comfortable transfers at the time of booking. You will be met at the airport and taken to your hotel via taxi or shared transfer. In some locations, a private car transfer can be arranged to avoid the stops. Classic can also arrange friendly and fast car-rental service on many of the Caribbean Islands; with an availability of the most popular car rentals, from convertibles to minivans to four-wheel-drive jeeps. Be prepared to drive on the left side of the road on many islands.

While traveling in Curacao we recommend:

Private transfers at time of booking - Most private transfers include a meet-and-greet by English-speaking drivers, luggage assistance, and bottled water in modern vehicles.

Things to Know

Entry Requirements

A valid passport is generally required for entry into the Caribbean and return to the United States.

Some countries may also require you to present a return airline ticket.

It is the traveler’s responsibility to obtain the proper documents.

Currency

U.S. currency is accepted nearly everywhere you go in the Caribbean.

Currency can be exchanged at banks and island hotels (although for slightly more than the standard exchange rate).

Most major American and European credit cards are accepted throughout the islands.

ATMs are widely available throughout the Caribbean.

Time Difference

The islands that make up the Caribbean span several time zones.

Most Caribbean islands lie in the Atlantic Standard Time zone, but a few are in the Eastern Time Zone.